By Anthony Brino | Illinois Statehouse News SPRINGFIELD — In an election year where jobs and the economy are front and center, Illinois’ economy is starting to make a comeback, researchers said this week. Also this week, the state Supreme Court handed a small victory to gun-rights advocates, while the state’s biofuel industry cleared a final hurdle to sell more ethanol. Signs of growth For the first time since the Great Recession began in 2008, Illinois’ economy is showing signs of growth .

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that JOANNE OSMOLIK, 51, of Newtown, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday, December 20, before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from her embezzlement of more than $1.5 million from her employer.

CHICAGO , Oct. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — When a business sinks into turmoil, its risk rises for potential exposure to employee malfeasance, such as theft of product designs, customer and price lists, and other valuable information.

CHICAGO , Oct. 4, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Outstanding professional teams that rescued businesses and saved jobs despite fickle credit markets in a sputtering economy are winners of the 2011 Turnaround of the Year and Transaction of the Year Awards.